Assessment of Global Ocular Structure Following Spaceflight Using a Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) Imaging Method

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT or microtomography) is a non-destructive imaging technique using X-rays which allows the digitisation of an object in three dimensions. The ability of micro-CT imaging to visualise both internal and external features of an object, without destroying the specimen, makes the technique ideal for the digitisation of valuable natural history collections. This handbook serves as a comprehensive guide to laboratory micro-CT imaging of different types of natural history specimens, including zoological, botanical, palaeontological and geological samples. The basic principles of the micro-CT technology are presented, as well as protocols, tips and tricks and use cases for each type of natural history specimen. Finally, data management protocols and a comprehensive list of institutions with micro-CT facilities, micro-CT manufacturers and relative software are included.

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Sensitivity of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging to visualize skeletal variations and malformations in embryo-fetal development toxicity studies

Reproductive Toxicology ◽

10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.07.048 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 88 ◽

pp. 28

Author(s):

Arun K. Tatiparthi ◽

Cherie D. Qualls ◽

Paul Bushdid ◽

Katherine M. Murray ◽

Alexandra K. Groeller ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Fetal Development ◽

Ct Imaging ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Toxicity Studies

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Diagnostic Yield of Micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) Versus Histopathology of a Canine Oral Fibrosarcoma

Journal of Veterinary Dentistry ◽

10.1177/0898756420926519 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

pp. 14-21

Author(s):

Matthias C. Eberspächer-Schweda ◽

Kira Schmitt ◽

Stephan Handschuh ◽

Andrea Fuchs-Baumgartinger ◽

Alexander M. Reiter

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Contrast Agent ◽

Tumor Volume ◽

Ct Imaging ◽

Image Resolution ◽

Surrounding Tissue ◽

Histopathological Diagnosis ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Tumor Margins

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging currently gains increased interest in human as well as veterinary medicine. The ability to image 3-dimensional (3D) biopsy specimens nondestructively down to 1 µm spatial resolution makes it a promising tool for microscopic tissue evaluation in addition to histopathology. Visualizing tumor margins and calculating tumor load on 3D reconstructions may also enhance oncological therapies. The objective of this study was to describe the workflow from tumor resection to histopathological diagnosis, using both routine hematoxylin-eosin (HE)-stained sections and micro-CT tomograms on a stage II oral fibrosarcoma in a 7-year-old Hovawart dog. The maxillectomy specimen was fixed with formalin and stained with an X-ray dense soft tissue contrast agent. Micro-CT imaging was done using an ex vivo specimen micro-CT device. Tumor margins could not be exactly determined on micro-CT tomograms due to limited image resolution and contrast. Histopathology was performed after washing out the contrast agent. It showed neoplastic cells infiltrating the surrounding tissue further than assumed from micro-CT images. A total tumor volume of 10.3 cm3 could be calculated based on correlating micro-CT tomograms with HE-stained sections. This correlative approach may be of particular interest for oncological therapy. More than that, micro-CT imaging technology supported histopathology by means of 3D orientation and selection of slices to be cut on determining tumor margins. In this clinical case report, micro-CT imaging did not provide unambiguous clinical evidence for oncological decision-making, but it showed potential to support histopathology and calculate tumor volume for further clinical use.

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Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis of Subchondral Bone Regeneration Using Osteochondral Scaffolds in an Ovine Condyle Model

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11030891 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 891

Author(s):

Taylor Flaherty ◽

Maryam Tamaddon ◽

Chaozong Liu

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Bone Regeneration ◽

Subchondral Bone ◽

Volume Ratio ◽

Bone Volume ◽

Osteochondral Defects ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Trabecular Thickness ◽

Osteochondral Scaffold

Osteochondral scaffold technology has emerged as a promising therapy for repairing osteochondral defects. Recent research suggests that seeding osteochondral scaffolds with bone marrow concentrate (BMC) may enhance tissue regeneration. To examine this hypothesis, this study examined subchondral bone regeneration in scaffolds with and without BMC. Ovine stifle condyle models were used for the in vivo study. Two scaffold systems (8 mm diameter and 10 mm thick) with and without BMC were implanted into the femoral condyle, and the tissues were retrieved after six months. The retrieved femoral condyles (with scaffold in) were examined using micro-computed tomography scans (micro-CT), and the micro-CT data were further analysed by ImageJ with respect to trabecular thickness, bone volume to total volume ratio (BV/TV) ratio, and degree of anisotropy of bone. Statistical analysis compared bone regeneration between scaffold groups and sub-set regions. These results were mostly insignificant (p < 0.05), with the exception of bone volume to total volume ratio when comparing scaffold composition and sub-set region. Additional trends in the data were observed. These results suggest that the scaffold composition and addition of BMC did not significantly affect bone regeneration in osteochondral defects after six months. However, this research provides data which may guide the development of future treatments.

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Using micro-computed tomography to reveal the anatomy of adult Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Insecta: Hemiptera, Liviidae) and how it pierces and feeds within a citrus leaf

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-80404-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Javier Alba-Tercedor ◽

Wayne B. Hunter ◽

Ignacio Alba-Alejandre

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Significant Advance ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Diaphorina Citri ◽

Ct Reconstruction ◽

Internal Anatomy ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Citrus Leaf ◽

Teaching Aids ◽

Adult Feeding

AbstractThe Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, is a harmful pest of citrus trees that transmits Candidatus Liberibacter spp. which causes Huanglongbing (HLB) (citrus greening disease); this is considered to be the most serious bacterial disease of citrus plants. Here we detail an anatomical study of the external and internal anatomy (excluding the reproductive system) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). This is the first complete 3D micro-CT reconstruction of the anatomy of a psylloid insect and includes a 3D reconstruction of an adult feeding on a citrus leaf that can be used on mobile devices. Detailed rendered images and videos support first descriptions of coxal and scapus antennal glands and sexual differences in the internal anatomy (hindgut rectum, mesothoracic ganglion and brain). This represents a significant advance in our knowledge of ACP anatomy, and of psyllids in general. Together the images, videos and 3D model constitute a unique anatomical atlas and are useful tools for future research and as teaching aids.

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MicroCT protocols for scanning of embryos and juvenile Hexaplex trunculus v1

10.17504/protocols.io.bxw4ppgw ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Eva Chatzinikolaou ◽

Kleoniki Keklikoglou

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

High Resolution ◽

3D Imaging ◽

Imaging Technique ◽

Ct Scanning ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Gastropod Species ◽

Biological Studies ◽

Hexaplex Trunculus

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a high-resolution 3D-imaging technique which is now increasingly applied in biological studies focusing on taxonomy and functional morphology. The creation of virtual representations of specimens can increase availability of otherwise underexploited and inaccessible samples. This protocol aims to standardise micro-CT scanning procedures for embryos and juveniles of the marine gastropod species Hexaplex trunculus.

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Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) Evaluation of Effects of Different Rotary Glide Path Techniques on Canal Transportation and Centering in Curved Root Canals

Medical Science Monitor ◽

10.12659/msm.916112 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 ◽

pp. 6351-6358

Author(s):

Gabrielė Česaitienė ◽

Tadas Venskutonis ◽

Vita Mačiulskienė ◽

Vaidotas Cicėnas ◽

Vykintas Samaitis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Root Canals ◽

Glide Path ◽

Ct Evaluation ◽

Canal Transportation ◽

Curved Root Canals

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Quantitative micro-computed tomography analysis and rheological investigation of Nitrile rubber/Rockwool composites

Journal of Composite Materials ◽

10.1177/00219983211033886 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 002199832110338

Author(s):

Elisson BD da Rocha ◽

Ana Maria F de Sousa ◽

Ana Lúcia N da Silva ◽

Cristina RG Furtado ◽

Marcos V Colaço ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Elastic Modulus ◽

Aspect Ratio ◽

Volume Fraction ◽

Nitrile Rubber ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Rubber Composites ◽

Ratio Data ◽

Ct Analysis

This study reports the reinforcement degree investigation of two types of rockwool fibers (F1 and F2), in nitrile rubber composites. The micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) 3D images showed that both fibers were well-dispersed in the NBR matrix, without a preferential orientation. The micro-CT analysis also allowed quantifying volume fraction, inter-fiber distance, and aspect ratio. Those morphometric parameters were used for supporting the composites rheological behavior assessment. Changes in the elastic modulus and phase angle followed the same trend of the inter-fiber distance values, regardless the type of fiber. Both volume fraction and aspect ratio data from the micro-CT analysis were used to predict theoretical values of elastic modulus using the Guth-Gold and modified Guth-Gold equations, and the results obtained were compared to the rheological experimental data. This analysis was helpful to better understand the rockwool fibers reinforcement degree differences in the production of the nitrile rubber composites.

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